Calling all runners!

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  • cbeutler
    cbeutler Posts: 667 Member
    Bike riding is great cross training
  • crimznrose
    crimznrose Posts: 282 Member
    I'm on week 8 of Couch 2 5k and have done my first 5k last weekend. Through trial and error, here's the best of what I've learned and been told:

    Shoes are your best friend - get a pair made for running. My first was a $30 Ryka pair from Shoe Carnival and I went to the Runners Forum this past Friday and got fitted for a real pair of running shoes as my reward for finishing the 5k and not walking it.
    Wear good socks. Moisture wicking and thick enough to prevent any rubbing of your heel and the shoe.
    Train every other day to start with strength training in between. Core work and strength training will actually help your run.
    Warm up and Cool down on your run days. Stretching is for AFTER the work out, AFTER the cool down.
    On run days, make sure you hydrate the entire day. I had a noticeable difference in my ability to keep a good pace on days I didn't make sure to drink water all day.
    Don't eat heavy on run days. I learned that even a carb-heavy breakfast or lunch was still affecting my twilight jogs hours later. On my run days, I eat light and feel better during my runs as a result.
    If it hurts, stop. I made the mistake of trying to push my endurance one week and skipped my rest day. Instead, on that third day in a row of jogging, I ended up with horrible shin pains and limped home. I lost days afterwards because I hurt too much to jog.
  • RunXstrong
    RunXstrong Posts: 73
    start slowly, and don't worry about speed. As far as eating, 15 minutes beforehand eat one granola bar or something easy to digest. But also it is all about learning your own body response. I can eat anything but most people need some carbs and simple sugars.
  • janesmith1
    janesmith1 Posts: 1,511 Member
    Not that it matters but I used to run in Crocs due to my feet. There's a guy who ran in them on youtube and definitely finished, so if all of the regular shoes hurt your feet try them.
  • janesmith1
    janesmith1 Posts: 1,511 Member
    I've run 3x today at home (see above).

    First run - 22 min - 100 cals

    Second run - 20 min - 100 cals

    Third run - 13 min - 100 cals

    I really haven't run in ages, so this looks fantastic to me! Interesting that I do better with each run!

    Awesome! :)

    Thx! I thought I was the "thread killer" here because no one responded after me for ages...lol!
  • TheRealMrsMetro
    TheRealMrsMetro Posts: 25 Member
    I agree, you are a runner! I did the C25K and am going to run my first 1/2 marathon in one month. I think you should keep going and do not stress about your time or how long you can run right now. Listen to your body and give yourself rewards for meeting your running goals. Every month I meet my training goals, I buy a new running outfit. I love the motivation and it feels great to be outside for an easy run. I also suggest that you train for a Thanksgiving 5K race. That is enough time for you to train and enjoy the fruits of your labor on the day we are encouraged to feast. Keep up the good work. Happy Trails!
  • janesmith1
    janesmith1 Posts: 1,511 Member
    It's 6:55 am right now & coooold this morning. I don't want to do it but I will.
  • timboom1
    timboom1 Posts: 762 Member
    I think that I am going to just do 2 days a week of the walk/run cause this pain is too much and I KNOW that it can't be normal to feel shooting pains on and off in your legs. Today I was in the store and my knees just started really hurting and I started getting those little shooting pains in my lower legs. That's when I decided that I am going to cut back to 2 days a week of running and the other days I am going to walk and ride my bike. When the pain goes away, I will try building from there. Question though......... will riding my bike help me to build endurance so that I can run more as well?

    2 days a week, walking some others is a good plan as you build running endurance is a good plan. Biking will help with cardio endurance, which won't hurt you. It won't really help with running specific endurance related to the adaptations that support hopping from foot to foot over and over again. Biking is great cross-training however, so go for it. Try to be sure and walk at least one day, as you feel up to it you can add a little run/walk into that day.

    It will take time, but you will get there.
  • janesmith1
    janesmith1 Posts: 1,511 Member
    I agree, you are a runner! I did the C25K and am going to run my first 1/2 marathon in one month. I think you should keep going and do not stress about your time or how long you can run right now. Listen to your body and give yourself rewards for meeting your running goals. Every month I meet my training goals, I buy a new running outfit. I love the motivation and it feels great to be outside for an easy run. I also suggest that you train for a Thanksgiving 5K race. That is enough time for you to train and enjoy the fruits of your labor on the day we are encouraged to feast. Keep up the good work. Happy Trails!

    Love your rewards to yourself!
  • MassiveDelta
    MassiveDelta Posts: 3,271 Member
    Not that it matters but I used to run in Crocs due to my feet. There's a guy who ran in them on youtube and definitely finished, so if all of the regular shoes hurt your feet try them.


    PLEASE do not take this advice. Crocs aren't good to walk in let alone run in.
  • janesmith1
    janesmith1 Posts: 1,511 Member
    Not that it matters but I used to run in Crocs due to my feet. There's a guy who ran in them on youtube and definitely finished, so if all of the regular shoes hurt your feet try them.


    PLEASE do not take this advice. Crocs aren't good to walk in let alone run in.

    Not true.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v3kql8aSNI

    Runner's World also did a segment on someone who is running in Crocs, not the same person as in the youtube video

    http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/runner-communities/barefoot-running/lorraine-gersitz-running-crocs


    More from Runner's World here
    http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/shoes-stuff/shoes/run-crocs

    RW had another article from Trail Runner from someone running trails in Crocs
    http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/runner-communities/trail-running/running-trails-crocs

    And frankly, maybe Crocs aren't good for *you* as a person, but for me they are fantastic and the only shoes I can walk in & run in.
  • chris1529
    chris1529 Posts: 315 Member
    I think I know what may be wrong! My knees! I know I have shin splints but I think that this running is badly affecting my knees. What can I do to protect my knees? Tonight was my 2nd night off. With my knees like this, I don't plan on running again until it stops hurting BUT I do want to get into shape and build up to running regularly. I kinda feel discouraged now cause I was really wanting to be a runner. It's one thing to be out of breath when your running and have to rest but it's another when you have pain even days after the last run! AND the funny thing is I only run for a total of 3 mins ( 6 - 30 second intervals) and walk the other 27 mins! I don't want to hurt my knees anymore so if you have any suggestions or if this has happened to you, let me know!
  • chris1529
    chris1529 Posts: 315 Member
    Not that it matters but I used to run in Crocs due to my feet. There's a guy who ran in them on youtube and definitely finished, so if all of the regular shoes hurt your feet try them.


    PLEASE do not take this advice. Crocs aren't good to walk in let alone run in.

    Not sure if I could even run in crocs lol. I've always heard that you should have a good pair of running shoes with good support. Crocs may work for some though.... idk.
  • chris1529
    chris1529 Posts: 315 Member
    Should I also mention that I run on hard pavement. Maybe that makes a difference... idk.
  • lgrix
    lgrix Posts: 160 Member
    If there is a track near you, run on that rather than on pavement. It is much easier on your legs. If no track, try a dirt road or grass.
    I started out on a track and it was much easier. After you build up you can switch to pavement.
    Compression socks after you run can help with the pain, so does ibuprofen or aspirin. Swimming is very good as well.
    When going for a run, do a short warm up 5 minutes and then stop and do some light stretching. After your run, do a longer stretch session while your muscles are still warm.
    Biking on an exercise bike is a good way to build up your leg muscles and great cross training for running. They complement each other very well.
    If you are in pain, walk, don't run. If you can't walk the distance you want to go, you shouldn't try running. If walking is too easy, walk faster, you can get a great workout in walking fast.
    You will not lose any weight running if you eat more calories than you burn.
    Good luck!
  • amybluefish
    amybluefish Posts: 82 Member
    I started running a year ago June and completed my first half marathon in April. I just read about couch to 5K but I did it my way. Basically in the beginning I would run to a light pole then walked to the next. Then I would just try to increase my running as time went on. Now I can run for a long time. I still have a lot of weight to lose but I am a runner :)
  • janesmith1
    janesmith1 Posts: 1,511 Member
    I think I know what may be wrong! My knees! I know I have shin splints but I think that this running is badly affecting my knees. What can I do to protect my knees? Tonight was my 2nd night off. With my knees like this, I don't plan on running again until it stops hurting BUT I do want to get into shape and build up to running regularly. I kinda feel discouraged now cause I was really wanting to be a runner. It's one thing to be out of breath when your running and have to rest but it's another when you have pain even days after the last run! AND the funny thing is I only run for a total of 3 mins ( 6 - 30 second intervals) and walk the other 27 mins! I don't want to hurt my knees anymore so if you have any suggestions or if this has happened to you, let me know!

    Yes, it's happened to me for sure. I have shin splints, they're painful.

    I also have some bad knee issues a lot. I went to a medical supply place for a couple of very expensive knee things, they let me try them on. I love it. I bought 2 but really, just one is my favorite. I would suggest going to a medical supply place and getting a knee brace that you like, one that makes you feel supported.

    Running on pavement is really hard on your knees and feet.

    It's another reason I run at home on my thick mats to videos. It really helps.

    I use these:

    http://www.nefitco.com/interlocking-mats.html

    that and a HRM.

    You may also want to walk with a HRM on you instead of running for a while, to help lose weight if you insist on doing your exer. outside.

    Today I was strong enough to walk to the grocery store with a cart and fill up on groceries. Have you thought about walking to the grocery store daily for food?
  • chris1529
    chris1529 Posts: 315 Member
    I think I may start walking more and riding my bike for awhile. BUT I still want to run atleast 1-2 days out of the week. My knees are still hurting and I haven't ran since Saturday! One person on here said that biking and running can go hand and hand so I think I may supplement that for awhile. Or atleast until my knees heal.

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